We buried my Mom on Mother’s Day, 2008. I was extremely close to my Mom and my Dad knew that. Therefore, on the day of her funeral, he handed me her diamond wedding band, for me to wear, “always.” On that day I slipped it on my right hand and vowed never to take it off.

Over the years, my Mom’s ring became a symbol of her presence and comfort to me. I would absentmindedly play with it while working out a problem or touch it while thinking of my Mom. But, most importantly, I never took it off. At least, not until March, 2020.

In March, 2020 I began following the protocols the health professionals asked us to adhere to, most importantly washing my hands more often that usual and using hand sanitizer throughout the day.  When I began doing this, I noticed a rash under the ring. No matter what soap I used, or hand sanitizer, the rash persisted. When I spoke to my dermatologist about it, he suggested removing the ring from my finger for a while. Hesitantly, I did, and the rash eventually disappeared.

Since the time I removed the ring, I have not put it back on my finger. It has become a different symbol to me. While it still symbolizes my Mom, it has also become a symbol of the sacrifices we are all making to fight the pandemic. And, while I know that it’s nowhere near the sacrifices others are making, to me it’s a very personal effort and reminder of the losses others have suffered. I have decided that I will not put the ring back on until we come out the other side of the pandemic.

Somewhere, I believe, my Mom understands.